We ended up with a mini-travel theme this week! Japan yesterday, Europe tomorrow and today Dawn from UK lass in US joins us with a cute travel sewing case project. Be sure to check out her introduction too. Enjoy!

From Dawn: One of my New Year’s resolutions is to become more organized. A travel sewing case probably shouldn’t have been a priority on that end, but I can fool myself that it is helping me keep my resolution.

So here is my wee travel sewing case that I can tuck in my bag when I am taking some sewing on the road.

I just wanted room for the essentials: a spool of thread, thimble, mini tape measure, folding scissors, needles and pins. Here’s how to make one for yourself:

Materials:

1 plastic canvas sheet 3” x 7”

2 plastic canvas circles

1 small elastic hairband/loop of elastic

1 button

Felt:
– rectangle 2¾” x 4¾”
– 2 circles 1” in diameter

Exterior fabric:
– rectangle 4” x 7”
– 2 rectangles 2½” x 2½”

Interior fabric:
– rectangle 4” x 7”
– 4 rectangles 2½” x 2”

Matching thread

Scissors

(Note: I used the same fabric for the interior and exterior.)

How to:
1. Cut the plastic canvas circles to measure 1½” in diameter.

2. For each of the four 2 1/2″ x 2 interior fabric rectangles fold back one of the 2 1/2″ edges about and press.

3. Sew a circle 1 5/8 in diameter so that the creases on the interior fabric pieces fall at the half way point of the circle, as shown in the picture:

(Note: I cut the small plastic spikes off the excess plastic circle and drew the circle using that as my template.) You should have an opening like this:

4. Trim off the excess fabric and cut notches towards the stitching.

Turn the circle right sides out through the opening.

Insert the plastic canvas circle through the opening and hand stitch the opening closed.

5. Hand stitch one of the felt circles on, covering the opening. This will be an end of the sewing case.

6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 to make the other end.

7. Pin the 4” x 7” rectangles of interior and exterior fabrics right sides facing. Sew two lines up the long edges 3 1/16” apart.

8. Place the elastic loop between the two fabrics and pin in place halfway along the top edge, so that the edge of the elastic loop will be caught in the stitching when the top edge is sewn.

Sew along the top edge, trim the corners then turn right sides out through the open end.

9. Slide the 3” x 7” plastic canvas sheet in through the open end and hand stitch the opening closed.

Hand stitch the felt rectangle onto the interior fabric side.

10. Hand stitch one of the ends to the long edge of the rectangle. Stop stitching when there is 2¼” left along the rectangle edge.

11. Repeat step 10 for the other end.

12. Sew the button onto the outside, so that the case can be fastened using the elastic loop.

You’re done. Now all you have to do is put in your sewing needles, pins, thread etc.

Too cute! Adding this to Christmas gift list!
Question: I love your blog, but I can’t seem to figure out how to scroll from one post to the next. I’m not seeing any “next post, previous post” arrows. Am I missing something?? Thanks.

So pretty, I can think of a few friends who would love one of these, too. Quick question, could you take a second look at step two? I think you’re missing a few words, it says to “fold back one of the 2 1/2″ edges about and press…” Should that be about 1/4″ or 1/2″ or something like that? Thanks for the clarification, and the great tutorial!

So clever and cute! I love little travel sewing kits. This one looks a little more practical than some. (I’m forever picking up the little ones that used to be given out by businesses and such at thrift stores and yard sales.)

I think I just figured out what I want to make myself next! Well, after the fifty OTHER things I want to make myself. 🙂 But I think making my mom one for her birthday (in October) is reasonable. What a lovely project and very clear tutorial.

OK …..WOW…..My mind just went all sorts of places. 1 great stocking stuffer for next year or even a Valentine gift. 2 different sizes to “organize” when I pack and 3 using up all that scrap fabric. I am looking forward to more (I bookmarked your blog) Have a great day.

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